News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2014 Contact Information: Wisconsin Department of Transportation opa.exec@dot.wi.gov 608.266.2581 http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/

WISCONSIN DOT UNVEILS BUCKLE UP, BRAH CAMPAIGN AT UW CAMPUSES (MILWAUKEE, WI) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is partnering with Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches at university campuses statewide to increase seat belt awareness among young adults. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will be holding the event Friday September 6th in the courtyard. There will be refreshments provided by Jimmy Johns as well as information on safe driving, focusing on seat belt use. Buckling up is a concern nationwide, particularly in Wisconsin. The WisDOT has joined forces with Jimmy Johns to put seat belt usage into practice. This event will draw attention to the partnership, as well as unveil the Buckle Up, Brah campaign put forth by the WisDOT. This campaign is geared towards encouraging young people to use their seat belts at all times. There will also be a drivers seat model, so attendees can practice buckling up. The campus events, as well as selected Jimmy Johns locations, will be giving out the campaigns bumper stickers, which are also placed on their delivery drivers cars. Buckle Up, Brah is meant to remind young people that using your seat belt is easy and important. Karen Aldana, NHTSA spokeswoman, says, Teenagers are fearless. They dont think about the costs of not buckling up. This event and campaign will prompt young people, and drivers in general, to use their seat belts at all times. Wisconsins seat belt usage is at a rate of 83%, which is below the national average of 86%. Teens and young adults are the least likely to buckle up, despite their increased likelihood of being involved in a car crash. Increasing these rates by just 10% can save 44 lives and prevent over 650 injuries every year. Buckling up is the simplest, most effective way to protect you in the event of a crash. In this case, it does not take a lot of effort to do a lot of good. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation was officially established in 1967 by combining formerly independent agencies and the Department of Motor Vehicles (which included the State Highway Commission, State Aeronautics Commission and State Patrol). The NHTSA, creator of the Click It or Ticket campaign, was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970. It is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety. ###